Fairfax Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

Posted on 12/19/11

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Richard L. Oswald of Fairfax, Mo., joined a select group of nine farmers in Jefferson City Dec. 14-15 as part of the inaugural class of the Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy sponsored by the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC).

Designed to identify future grower-leaders and provide tools to increase grassroots involvement, the first CornRoots session kicked off Wednesday with growers from across the state. Throughout the program, Oswald took part in sessions focused on the value of grassroots, effective leadership, public speaking and policy involvement. The class also visited the State Capitol to gain a better understanding of the policy process and how to effectively communicate with urban and rural legislators.

“In order to successfully move our industry forward, corn growers must work together and stand with a united voice,” said MCGA President Billy Thiel, a grain farmer from Malta Bend, Mo. “The CornRoots program will provide the tools and techniques to help these growers engage their neighbors and strengthen the grassroots efforts of Missouri corn farmers.”

To complete the leadership academy, the group will take part in a second CornRoots session where they will meet with the Missouri Corn board of directors, visit with legislators at the State Capitol and join other growers for MCGA’s annual meeting Jan. 31 in Jefferson City.

Oswald was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board. He is Pioneer sales representative and is also involved in his family’s corn and soybean farming operation. He serves on the Community Hospital-Fairfax board and as treasurer of the English Grove Cemetery Association.

To learn more about Missouri’s corn industry and the farmers involved, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.